General Discussion - Long Term Iontophoresis

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Long Term Iontophoresis

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Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about physical therapy in general for discussion.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=899
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Topic: Long Term Iontophoresis

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Long Term Iontophoresis
Date Posted: Sep 16 2011 at 2:31pm

Our user asked: "I have limited treatment options to control inflamation in my ankle which frequently occurs secondary to an osteochondral lesion of my right talus. NSAID therapy resulted in acute renal failure. My now retired doctor did a trial of dexamethasone administered via iontophoresis with good results in pain reduction. M My new doctor said iontophoresis is not a long term procedure and offered no rational as to why or any other pain management options. My question is: Is long term iontophoresis medically acceptable for treatment of arthritis?"

Ask a PT Response: "Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that has been found to be helpful with decreasing inflammation. As far as its use in physical therapy with iontophoresis, it is not a long term solution and is not considered a long term treatment option. I was unable to find any studies in regards to long term use specifically with iontophoresis. However, there are many side effects that can be associated with long term use (see article):
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/dexamethasone - http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/dexamethasone .
Have you consulted with an orthopedic MD to see if there can be anything done surgically?"

Replies:

Posted By: Bryana Butlar
Date Posted: Dec 21 2011 at 5:36am

I don't have much idea about iontophoresis. It was just a small part of our studies, and I haven't perform it practically ever. Iontophoresis technique uses electrical potential to transfer charged ions and ionizable materials including some medications through the skin. This is meant to provide anti-inflammatory or analgesic treatment to the patient.

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